Gippsland Water Factory Project Update
The start of commissioning for the Gippsland Water Factory has been put back several months to ensure the safety of the workforce and to protect the environment and high-tech equipment at the new Maryvale plant.
The original plan had been for commissioning to begin at the Maryvale site while some areas of construction were still underway however, after a detailed risk review process, it was decided the two should not be run concurrently.
Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) alliance spokesperson David Evans said commissioning was due to be complete in early 2009, however it is now likely to be later in the year.
``To ensure the absolute safety of our workforce and protect the very valuable assets we have just installed, we will now wait until most of the construction is completed over the next couple of months before we start the commissioning program,’’ Mr Evans said.
``This will ensure the construction teams are not subjected to risks associated with live electrical systems in areas where they may be working. It will also mean our sensitive treatment equipment, particularly the membrane systems, are not at risk of damage as we start them up.’’
According to Gippsland Water managing director David Mawer, scope has been added to the original project being delivered by the alliance - comprising Gippsland Water, CH2M HILL, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Transfield Services – to further increase the social and environmental benefits to the Gippsland community.
The additional scope of GWF, which has been approved by the Gippsland Water Board and included in Gippsland Water’s 2008/09 Corporate Plan, includes:
• Renewable energy - Co-generation and micro-hydro systems to generate 20 per cent of GWF’s electricity needs.
• Rosedale transfer system - To bring raw wastewater from Rosedale back to the Maryvale plant for treatment and increased water re-use.
• The Vortex Centre – A multi-functional facility that will house the operational centre of GWF and the laboratory, as well as a community educational centre with a focus on water conservation and sustainable water management.
Mr Mawer said the additional scope, coupled with the change to the commissioning program and price escalation over the term of construction, had increased the cost of the project.
``The cost of GWF to Gippsland Water, including the added scope, change to commissioning program and increased costs, is forecast to be $209 million,’’ Mr Mawer said.
``While the cost of GWF has increased, this will have no further impact on our customers’ bills, as the increase will be absorbed into Gippsland Water’s budget.’’
Once GWF is commissioned, the alliance will run the new system for a two year proving and optimisation period, prior to it being handed over commercially to Gippsland Water.
The Gippsland Water Factory system will provide new wastewater treatment infrastructure to a population base of 48,000 in the Gippsland region and deliver a range of benefits to the community.
It will address odour, corrosion and capacity issues in the Regional Outfall Sewer by removing all raw sewage flows; save about three billion litres of fresh water in the Moondarra/Latrobe system each year for use in Gippsland; and generate high quality recycled water.
Construction is more than 90 per cent complete at the Maryvale plant. The pipelines and pump stations that form the transfer system are largely finished and, in some cases, operational. The first quarter of 2009 is focused on finalisation of electrical works and initial operational checks to ensure the plant is prepared for a smooth, efficient start up.
The Maryvale treatment plant will treat up to 35 million litres of wastewater daily, from homes and businesses in Morwell, Traralgon, Churchill, Rosedale, Yallourn North, Yinnar, Boolarra, Glengarry and Toongabbie, and Australian Paper’s Maryvale mill. Sale and Fulham’s wastewater will be piped separately and directly to Dutson Downs for treatment and re-use on Gippsland Water’s farm.
To find out more about Gippsland Water Factory, visit the website at www.gippslandwaterfactory.com.au or phone 1800 066 401.
This page updated 12 March 2009 |